July 4th. One of my favorite holidays of the year. Not just because of its historical significance here in the U.S.A., but because it brings back great childhood memories of my dad barbecuing in our backyard and then lighting festive fireworks in the front yard for us that night.
Just for the heck of it, for fellow classic film fans, I'm going to recommend a few classics that TCM could air -- if they were available -- for the 4th of July.
1776 (1972): I know TCM has this historical musical. Based on the Broadway hit of the same, it's about the signers and drafting of the Declaration of Independence. William Daniels and Ken Howard, two future presidents of the Screen Actors Guild, play future presidents of the United States -- John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Blythe Danner stars as Mrs. Jefferson. Veteran player Howard Da Silva, once blacklisted in the 1950s, should have been a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nominee for his spirited performance as Benjamin Franklin. This musical's dramatic core is seeing the frustrations and conflicts the men had as they tried to arrive at the perfect language for the document and the guilt at language they had to exclude as a political compromise. Specifically, language about slavery and equality.
THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS (1934): From Paramount Pictures, this patriotic and breezy comedy really stays aloft thanks to the warm and charming performance of Francis Lederer (seen five years later wooing Claudette Colbert in the excellent screwball comedy, MIDNIGHT.) It's September 1776 and King George in England buys....yes, buys....Hessians (Germans) to fight on the British side in the Revolutionary War. Max, played by Lederer, is not interested in fighting even though he's a Hessian who was purchased for war. As Max says, "I'm no soldier, I'm a musician..." Max loves what America has to offer. He's thrilled by its Declaration of Independence. When the British troops, with Hessians, reach New York, some get messages from George Washington telling them they were bought and inviting them to come over to the American side. That's just what Max does. He defects and makes his way to a Connecticut farmhouse where he hides out. It's the home of a married couple, a lusty housekeeper and the couple's demure daughter, Prudence. Prudence is played by a blonde Joan Bennett.
When the friendly Hessian with the boyish giggle sees her, it's love at first sight. She becomes attracted to him as he tries to convince New Englanders that there's no need to fear him. The town pastor preaches fear of them to his congregation and bundling is another major topic in his sermon.
A lot of us classic film fans first heard of bundling in the NOW, VOYAGER starring Bette Davis. Her character mentions it. In THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS, a character defines it. In New England, bundling is the custom of a man and woman sleeping together fully clothed.
One of the best scenes in the movie is when Prudence has Max over for some conversation. She's attracted to him but she's being very demure. He's quite adorable and is now in love with her. The living room area is rather chilly and she suggests they relocate to another room to continue their talk.
When Prudence says to Max, "Shall we get into bed?" his jaw practically drops down to his boots. They're in the bedroom, her parents are away, and she introduces him to bundling. That makes him love American even more.
THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS is a sweet little film about "...liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Mary Boland (the Countess in 1939's THE WOMEN) and Charlie Ruggles provide laughs as Prudence's parents. The film runs about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
CENTENNIAL SUMMER (1946): This original screen musical from 20th Century Fox, was obviously inspired by the critical and box office success of MGM's MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS starring Judy Garland and directed by Vincente Minnelli. CENTENNIAL SUMMER was directed by Otto Preminger. The story takes place in Philadelphia in 1876 as folks prepare to celebrate the centennial of the 4th of July. Two upscale sisters gently compete for the affection of a handsome Frenchman visiting the city to help decorate a pavilion as the city gets set for the 4th of July festivities. Also visiting is the girls' ultra-sophisticated, lovely and single aunt played by Constance Bennett (sister of Joan Bennett).
"All Through the Day" and "In Love in Vain" are two of the original songs co-written by Jerome Kern for the movie. Fox's CENTENNIAL SUMMER stars Jeanne Crain, Linda Darnell, Cornell Wilde and, as the parents, former silent screen star Dorothy Gish and Walter Brennan. He does his own singing. So, if you're up for a Walter Brennan musical, this is the film for you.
Here's a clip of the number that got an Oscar nomination or Best Song -- "All Through the Day" written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein.
Happy 4th of July. Save me some barbecue.
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